The Ardbeg distillery is arguably one of thegreatest distilleries on Earth. It produces one of the most peaty expressions available, they themselves claim they produce the peatiest Islay Whisky.

Started in the early 18th century on the south coast of the isle of Islay, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, it is now owned by Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy. During the years it was closed and reopened several times, as the majority of other distilleries in Scotland, and changed owners many times; however it has never lost the genuine devotion of producing The Ultimate Islay Malt.

One of their finest expressions is the Ardbeg Corryvreckan. This elusive Scotch Whisky was named the Top Whisky of the year 2010 by Whisky Advocate. The Corryvreckan is named after the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay, where only the bravest souls dare to venture. It is bottled at cask strength of 57.1% ABV.

My wife and I love this Scotch. It is incredibly flavorful. Previous to this, our favorite was Lagavulin 16 year. If you drink this, and then Lagavulin 16 year, the Lagavulin will taste like a very smooth, yet mildly boring Scotch (it is painful to say that word even though it's just in comparison). There's a slight alcohol burn up front that dissipates into a complex plethora of flavors that you can't even wrap your mind around, but you will know one thing for certain: "I want another sip". It is also strong and will hit you pretty quickly. It is now my wife's favorite Scotch. I still respect and prefer the Lagavulin 16 year as a standard I hold all others to, but must concede that this is a magnificent drink that definitely sucks you into the whirlpool of it's greatness.

Jaka,
Feb 19, 2019

Best peated

Raoul,
Feb 14, 2019

One of the most impressively complex whiskies I ever had, a knockout effort from one of the best Islays.

Nice beacon like aroma with hints of dark chocolate. In the nose sweet and spiced, long aftertaste

Jana,
Dec 7, 2018

Fantastic!!

Doug,
Oct 29, 2018

I enjoy Islay malts and this one is very nice, especially the peatiness throughout the expression. I don't know that I find the chocolate notes that others report, but the spice and smoke are obvious to me.

Zane,
Oct 12, 2018

I have been drinking Islay malts for a long time. If you truly love the Big Three distillers on the southern coast of Islay (Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg), then you will understand how truly special this expression is. If you are not yet steeped in the Islay tradition, then start with something basic, and earn your right to try this one. This is a huge, complex Islay whiskey that boggles the mind, and I am never without a bottle, to be brought out only for those who I know can truly appreciate it.

Alex,
Oct 10, 2018

It has bite to it and the proof is potent. That being said, if you're up for a sip, you'll be nothing short of amazed. Outstanding flavor, the peat and smoke dominate the flavor so if you're a fan of the Islay Scotch and peated whiskies in general, don't pass up the chance to try it! One of my favorite Scotches.

Michael,
Oct 8, 2018

Beautifully-complex chocolate smoke, with a long, lingering finish.

Steve,
Sep 23, 2018

Amazing on the pallet, hits your tastebuds with overwhelming flavors, open the bottle and initial chocolate notes to the nose is crazy! One of my favorites..

Will,
Sep 6, 2018

Amazing.. must try this one!!

Marcus,
Aug 16, 2018

Amazing freakin' whisky. Takes you for a ride.

Burt,
Aug 8, 2018

This is probably the best whiskey I will have in 2018. It is a whirlpool of flavor ... aptly named. I enjoy the cask strength of this. It is my goal to always have a bottle of this on my bar.

Tomáš,
May 21, 2018

hodne stiplava. jinak vyrazna chut

Nikhil,
Apr 18, 2018

My favourite Ardbeg confection. When you've had a hard and confounding day, and think you need something simple and sweet to relax you, this is what you should have instead.
It's complexity will force you to forget your worries that day as you engage in the awesome task of trying to figure out what those delightful flavours represent.

Clifton,
Apr 14, 2018

Excellent. Smells like Indiana Jones and tastes like pure victory.

Alon,
Mar 31, 2018

Excellent Ardbeg. To me it's quite similar to the An Oa - maybe a little peatier. Wonderful aftertaste with a fantastic bloom. Overall an outstanding Islay scotch that hits all the right notes.

Miguel,
Mar 29, 2018

I prefer the Uigeadail, but man o mna tthis is a close 2nd, the peat, the smoke, the light medicinal hint and that spicey undertone. Definitely going to keep this stocked for the peat lovers.

guest,
Mar 14, 2018

Incredible

Piotr,
Feb 24, 2018

Harder than AN OA or TEN. Too hard for me as casual drink. For late evening, next to fireplace, after drinking some AN OA as starter...

Colin,
Jan 30, 2018

One of the finest whiskies ever made. Not quite a 'Lord of the Isles' but a good trier.
P.S. The spelling of Whisky is important to the Scots. In "About".

guest,
Jan 8, 2018

My favorite Islay scotch. I always keep a bottle in my bar.

Michael,
Dec 31, 2017

Tastes like a leather shoe that's been used to stomp out a fire. Decent on the finish though, reminds me of the first breath of fresh air in the morning at camp.

guest,
Dec 30, 2017

it is definitely one of the finest whiskeys I’ve tasted so far, glorious & complex smell, robust taste, flavours of charred wood, leather, musk, fine peat, saltiness, seaside, storm and thunders; a walk in a dark pine forest surrounded by the ocean’s waves

CJ,
Dec 28, 2017

Nice and smooth finish with a great peaty taste throughout.

Peter,
Dec 27, 2017

Tastes exactly as advertised - salted caramel upfront with a spicy peaty finish which is refined and very intense. For any occasion around a fire, this whiskey is so full of flavors it lingers long after each sip! Small tip: This one opened up nicely with a bit of ice which I don’t typically do...

Tyrel,
Dec 2, 2017

Loved the peaty & salty flavors

guest,
Nov 13, 2017

Een draaikolk van smaken. Vuurwerk van een whisky

Sean,
Nov 10, 2017

Pure magic

Louis,
Oct 31, 2017

It is lovely & party, leaves a nice after taste in the mouth, has quite a bite on your first sip but a beautiful malt.

Daniel,
Aug 1, 2017

The nose on this beast is very deceptive. Light smoke and peat with some light floral notes. That's it. But in the mouth: Peat Bomb! Heat from the ABV but not overpowering; Smoke and ash with a honey sweetness that balances out the smoke almost perfectly. The finish lasts forever with more smoke, turning into BBQ meats. An incredible dram.

Iain,
Jul 15, 2017

Still my favourite Islay. It is just so much taste. Yeah it is bold and smoky and a bit crazy. But that is what makes it so wonderful.

Greg,
Feb 24, 2017

Couldn't taste beyond the harsh smoke. Nothing slight about it.

guest,
Jan 2, 2017

Slight smoke

guest,
Dec 5, 2016

Sublime. Charred wood, dark chocolate and all that is good in a long walk through a dark pine forest.

Richard,
Sep 16, 2016

The smoke and the peat.

Scott,
Sep 7, 2016

Amazing...out of the Islay quiver, this is my new favorite

Jonathan,
Aug 30, 2016

Nice, but a bit too much peat for my taste.

Marc,
Aug 2, 2016

Nice

Stephen,
Jul 6, 2016

It is one of the best tasting whiskeys I have ever tasted. I particularly like it straight up with no ice.

guest,
May 31, 2016

Unforgettable

guest,
May 1, 2016

Wow!

guest,
Apr 26, 2016

Excellent Ardbeg. Complex, less peaty than the standard 10y old, but very much Ardbeg nevertheless. Could have this every day!

guest,
Mar 2, 2016

Peaty with some smoke

Anders,
Feb 11, 2016

Stunningly good, one of Ardbeg's finest!

guest,
Jan 26, 2016

So jealous. A lover of isley malts and I can't afford it, even at this knockdown price.😭😭😭😭😭

guest,
Jan 13, 2016

Amazing

Maurizio,
Dec 22, 2015

Strong and powerful. For the oak lovers. Too bitter for me. I prefer the Uigeadail.